To Alick, Annie and Wuffa, Granny and Babar, my wee Eleanor, Thomas Two-legs, Wise Ena, Mad Stu, Auntie Mel, Jimmy Blackface, Uncle Ben, Mr Cheese and beloved Uisge.

And to all those special people from RSPB North Scotland who gave us the chance to move to Benbecula, look after corncrakers and work with all the Islanders who helped us to start a new life, and those who guided the book and to the many dear friends who encouraged and supported Wee Boss to finish it.